Former Broome star Hembree dealt to Boston

Saturday

Jul 26, 2014 at 3:39 PM

San Francisco sends the former Centurion and SMC pitcher to the Red Sox as part of deal for Jake Peavy

By MATT CONNOLLYmatthew.connolly@shj.com

Former Broome High School star Heath Hembree is on the move.The 25-year-old confirmed in a phone interview Saturday afternoon that the San Francisco organization traded him to Boston.According to multiple reports, Hembree and Edwin Escobar were traded from the Giants organization to the Red Sox organization in exchange for starting pitcher Jake Peavy.Hembree said he was surprised to find out Saturday morning that he had been dealt, and added that he is anxious to get a new start with Boston's organization.“Obviously I was sort of shocked at first, but I'm excited for the opportunity,” Hembree said. “I'm looking forward to it. We'll see what happens.”The Giants drafted Hembree out of the College of Charleston in the fifth round of the 2010 draft. Hembree, a 2007 Broome graduate, signed with South Carolina out of high school. He transferred to Spartanburg Methodist after one season at USC, and moved on to College of Charleston after one season at SMC.Hembree has served as the closer for San Francisco's AAA team, the Fresno Grizzlies, for most of the past three seasons.This year he is 1-3 with a 3.89 ERA. Hembree has pitched in 41 games so far in 2014 and has recorded 18 saves. He has struck out 46 batters in 39 1/3 innings pitched.Hembree made his MLB debut in 2013 and did not allow a run in nine appearances for the Giants. He struck out 12 in 7 2/3 innings pitched.“I appreciate them giving me an opportunity and drafting me and giving me a shot to play in the big leagues,” Hembree said of the Giants. “Right now I'm just looking forward to another opportunity.”Baseball America named Hembree the Giants' seventh-best prospect entering this season, but despite putting up quality numbers he was not added to San Francisco's major league roster.He is hopeful that he will get a shot in Boston's bullpen.“I think it's a good opportunity. I'm just going to take my best shot and see what happens,” Hembree said. “I'm just trying to soak it all up.”

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